Answered by Shaykh Yusuf Weltch
Question Summary
What do I do if I don’t feel the same euphoric feeling that many converts experience with Islam?
Question Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate
It is true that many people experience an euphoric feeling when discovering and embracing Islam. However, this feeling is not a requirement, nor is the lack of experiencing such a feeling a sign of deficiency.
Spiritual and Intellectual
Islam, its clear tenets of faith, and its application are connected with on both the spiritual and intellectual levels. Some people find an affinity with Islam of a spiritual nature, whereas others find solace intellectually.
It is through obedience to Allah Most High and His beloved Messenger (may Allah bless him and give him peace) that one rises in the degrees of closeness to Islam. And through this closeness, one will necessarily find a tranquillity in their heart, soul, and mind, sometimes even experienced tangibly physically.
Allah Most High says, “Indeed, in the remembrance (obedience) of Allah do the hearts find tranquility.” [Quran; 13:28]
There are some that experience this early in their Islam, whereas this is not always a constant state: it fades. However, through steadfast obedience based on sincerity and knowledge, one will be granted from Allah tranquility which will last and only increase as they increase in closeness.
Remembrance, Reflection, and Recitation of Quran
Three core actions that are effective in purifying the heart and instilling an intimate closeness with Allah Most High are as follows:
1) Remembering Allah Most High with one’s tongue, heart, and limbs (i.e., through obedience) is a light for the heart. (See the above-quoted verse)
2) Reflection on the creation and its marvels lead to certainty, gratitude, and love of the Creator.
3) Recitation of the Quran is of the fastest ways to draw near to Allah Most High. Through reciting it, reflecting on its meanings, and striving to implement its teachings, one can attain from Allah Most High that which no eye has ever seen, no ear has ever heard, and no human has ever imagined.
Summary
Stay firm in fulfilling the duties of your relationship with Allah Most High. Supplicate to Him to grant you the peace of heart and intimate connection that He grants the elite of His servants. Strive to increase in knowledge of the religion, specifically how to perform the obligations and abstain from the prohibitions as ordained by Allah Most High. Have a daily portion of remembrance (especially the saying La ilāha ill Allah), reflection (even if a few moments), and recitation of the Quran (even if only a page a day).
Hope this helps
Allah knows best
[Shaykh] Yusuf Weltch
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani